Study shows cannabis use can create false memories

Washington, March 15 - Cannabis consumption may affect memory more than previously thought. According to a new study by scientists from Washington State University, the substance THC can cause not only memory lapses but also the creation of false memories, reports the Marca daily website.

The research, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, was led by Professor Carrie Cuttler. The researchers analyzed 120 regular cannabis users and found significant deterioration in results in 15 of 21 memory tests.

Interestingly, according to the research, the dose did not play a major role. Negative effects appeared at doses of 20 and 40 milligrams of THC. Participants under the influence of marijuana often claimed to remember events that did not actually happen. In some cases, they even "invented" words that were never in the tested lists, or got individual events wrong.

The researchers also noted a deterioration in the ability to remember everyday tasks or planned activities. "Acute cannabis intoxication seems to affect most memory systems," Cuttler said.

"We use these abilities all the time in everyday life. If you need to remember something later, you probably don't want to be under the influence of drugs at that time," the researcher pointed out.

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